Businesses consider legal action over CBD parking metres

A Newcastle business lobby group is considering legal action against the City Council regarding the installation of parking meters in the CBD.

In July, when all meters west of and including Darby Street began operating from 9am to 5pm Monday to Sunday, Newcastle Council said it was not a cash grab.

A recent survey of CBD business owners found more than 70 per cent believed changes to the paid parking system has negatively affected their bottom line.

Newcastle Alliance member and local solicitor, Nicholas Dan says enough is enough.

"It's not an even playing field when in other parts of business areas people get to park for free for periods of time, when most of the parking in Newcastle from minute one you have to put money into a meter," he said.

"It's a reason to say, let's not go into the city, it's just that little bit more difficult."

Mr Dan says his group is reviewing all its legal options this week.

"We're going to take every opportunity to see if there is (a legal avenue) for not having an even playing field for everybody in the area," he said.